It has been a beautiful summer and a fall filled with adventures for you and your dog. But this month gives you the chance to remember some winter safety tips that you may have forgotten since the last winter winds blow through.
Check out this list of winter safety tips to keep you and your furry best friend safe. Here’s to a warm winter season with plenty of snuggles with your dog!
- Short walks are still sweet By now, you know that our trainers are serious about recommending walks to owners and their dogs. Daily walks are a great way for you and your dog to get some much-needed exercise and your time outdoors is the perfect time to train obedience commands consistently. We understand that winter can tempt you to stay indoors and hibernate. Obviously, your dog will miss this walking routine and you could end up seeing him exhibit some undesirable behavior. He has to somehow eject that energy! You may simply decide to shorten your walks instead of skipping them altogether if it is simply too cold for you or your dog to bear.
- Use your command practice Your dog needs physical and mental exercise, especially in winter. A tired dog is a happy dog! Give your dog the extra stimulation he needs by upgrading your commands at home. The practice of the commands Place, Down and Stay promotes good behavior and bonding but can also be challenging enough to exercise endurance in your dog.
- Lighten your walks In reduced daylight hours, you may be taking your walks outside in dusk or pitch-black darkness. Keep yourself and your dog safe by adding additional light to ensure you are seen by cars and fellow pedestrians. Try a reflective vest for your dog to wear, a rechargeable light-up leash or even button twig lights to clip onto your coat. Then try to be too big instead of too small; you may feel silly, but you will be safe!
